French media slam Hugo Ekitike performance as Liverpool duo come under fire

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After weathering a 16-minute onslaught in Baku, France levelled the scoreline courtesy of a Mateta header, before Maghnes Akliouche put them ahead on his France debut.An own goal extended France's lead to 3-1 as the 2022 World Cup finalists navigated a quiet second half and wrapped up their final game of the year with a victory, comfortably topping their group after six matches.And with Konate wearing the captain's armband for France in Kylian Mbappe's absence, we now turn our attention to how the Reds duo fared on the night.READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate drops new Liverpool contract bombshell with announcement 'very soon'READ MORE: Liverpool told transfer 'should have never happened' after £65.5m decisionLe Parisien dished out a brutal 4/10 rating to Ekitike. They wrote: “Three days after his sensational debut against Ukraine, the Liverpool striker was far less convincing.

He then imposed his athletic presence, using his height to his advantage in aerial duels.”Ekitike saw his effort blocked in the 33rd minute and squandered an opportunity in the 71st, where he failed to capitalise after being picked out with a low cross. Ekitike was also responsible for Khephren Thuram’s first-half goal being chalked off following a brief VAR check, having touched the ball with his hand in the build up.Yahoo Sport’s French football coverage was more generous in its evaluation of Konate's display, handing him a 7/10 while noting: “Despite not having a particularly good season for Liverpool, the big defender looked calm and assured at the back.”That generosity didn’t extend to the Liverpool frontman, however, as they added: “Hugo Ekitike 5/10.

The Liverpool forward has been excellent so far for his new team but he seemed all at sea at times. This Sunday, he lacked precision and sometimes quickness.“Significantly less effective, he squandered several opportunities, such as his completely botched shot when he was unmarked at the penalty spot (64th minute).